Newsletter - Spring 2020

During this historic time of living through a global pandemic, everyone at the Museum hopes that all our members and families are staying healthy and coping. Not in our lifetime, has the nation had to pull together and all stay home for two months in order to flatten the curve of coronavirus infection. We have done it so far, masked, with diligent handwashing and keeping a safe distance for one another. The History Museum remains closed, as all public institutions, until we may reopen safely. This time is a benchmark in history and many aspects of this time will be the subjects for study and of books to be written about how e lived through it.

We must recognize and honor those who continue to work, healthcare workers, emergency responders, and essential workers. These heroes deserve all our thanks for keeping our communities running, even at risk to their own health and their families.

Notes From The President

Board members and volunteers continue with the plans of moving and updated displays at the museum. The renovation of the office and archive department are complete but we are currently closed until further notice. When safe to do so, an open house event will be announced. Once open it will be so nice for our visitors to walk in and be assisted on the main level.

The board of directors has hired a new museum coordinator: Please meet Nancy Cowlishaw. Until recently, she was a stay at home mom so that she could home school her son. She brings many life experiences with her and a big enthusiasm for museums, she will be a wonderful asset.-Janet Hostetter

Celebrate Cowley County History

2020 Celebrate Cowley County History was held on January 25th at Baden Square. A large crowd turned out to listen to the interesting talks given by the local presenters: A History of the southwestern College Theatre Department and College Players by Roger Moon; The Magnolia-An English Estate on the Kansas Plains by Bill Mueller; A Silent History: Civil War Veterans Who Helped Build Cowley County by Kent Melcher; and Black Athletes Made a Difference in Winfield and Beyond by Bob Hartley.

Left to right: Kent Melcher, Bill Mueller, Roger Moon and Bob Hartley.

Barn Quilt Raffle Winner

Congratulations to our barn quilt raffle winner Michelle Leeper! The lucky winner's ticket was chosen at the Celebrate Cowley History event.

Thank you to artist Jill Ball and designer Walt Nichols for the beautiful work of art. And a shout out to Cheri Nichols and all raffle ticket sellers who filled the hopper with over 900 chances bringing in $950 for art for our museum.

Cumbernauld Presentation

Grace Russell Raymond Presentation

Museum volunteer, Katrina Tamsen, gave a wonderful presentation of renown Winfield painter, Grace Russell Raymond at Cumbernauld Village. In character, Katrina spoke of Grace's life, education, career and world-wide travels with several residents sharing stories from their own acquaintance with Grace. Many fine paintings of the museum, lent by friends of the museum, the Winfield School District and the Winfield Art Center, were on display.

Boy Scout Tour

Board member Steve Bellew gives Boy Scout Pack 318, Tiger and Wolf Dens, a closer look inside a Henry Ford Model T. The car is on exhibit in the Fire Engine room, which is always a favorite place for kids when visiting the museum. The scouts' tour was in pursuit of earning a merit badge and we were happy they came by. Thanks to Steve for coming in to be their guide!

Volunteers!

We appreciate the individuals, groups, and businesses which have helped up. These partnerships are invaluable. Remember that we are always in need of volunteers, so please contact us to see how you can be of help.

Member Email Address List

We are updating our member email list and would like to ask all members to please contact the museum office with your current email address. Thank you.

Ad Curtain Talk By Cheri Nichols

On February 17, there was an informative and well attended meeting of Museum Friends. Cheri Nichols spoke about an advertising curtain that at one time was in the school at Rock. This stage backdrop is now displayed at the museum in the fire station. Walt Nichols and Janet Ball worked on the restoration of the curtain.

Cheri also gave a brief history of stage art, including painted backdrops, drapes and curtains. Advertising curtains were sometimes found in rural schools such as Rock.

Cheri Nichols

Celebrate 150 Years in Cowley County

1870-2020

The Cowley County Exhibit in Main Room, curated by Cindy Goertz and committee, showcases noteworthy citizens, fashions, music, photographs and local businesses and institutions in the first 150 years of our county. It's a fabulous collection to take visitors back in time and we're excited for everyone to see it when the museum reopens.

Cindy Goertz

BOOKS:
Celebrate Winfield History Books 2001-2011 (SALE) $8.00
Celebrate Winfield History Books 2012, 2015 $15.00
Celebrate Cowley County History 2016-current $15.00
Winfield’s Golden Era of Sports: $15.00

History of CC KS. The Settlers Vol. I: (out of stock)
History of CC KS. The Indians Vol. II: $33.00
Southwestern College: $21.99
Winfield – Postcard History: $21.99

All of Jerry Wallace's paperback books $10.00
Prices include Sales Tax
Shipping/handling is an additional $4.00
To purchase please stop by the museum or check out our website
www.cchsm.com. Credit Cards and Paypal are accepted.
You may also send a check or money order with a list of books to:
CCHSM
1011 Mansfield
Winfield, KS 67156

Don't forget we still have the "Cowley County Heritage, Vol. II, available. $65.00

Historical notes about Cowley County people and businesses plus lots of interesting facts.

Commemorative Bricks

There are commemorative bricks for sale which make great memorials and support the museum. The bricks border the walkway from the parking lot to the front steps. To purchase, forms can be found on the table by the books for sale or contact Museum Board member Elaine Rankin.

The following are the levels of donations. Flat red bricks with 2 lines of 12 characters each for a $75 donation. Flat red bricks with 3 lines of 12 characters each for $100 donation. A contrasting brick with 12 characters each for a $500 donation. Fewer letters may be used if you wish, such as a significant year or initials.

Museum is Always Looking For Donations

I think everyone knows that we are a disposable society. As our new annual display, "Celebrate 150 Years" opens we need to think about the future. In fifty years there will be another celebration planned to celebrate 200 years since Winfield's birth and Cowley County's existence.

Will we have anything to display in honor of that event?

It is up to you to help us preserve items from now as they are the history that is being made. Please think before throwing anything away whether or not it would be part of history that needs to be preserved. The Cowley County Historical Society is still accepting donations, so please think about donating.

Some of things we are in need of:

• Boy toys for our toy room
• Anything regarding African-America history

One of our displays in the toy room

The Cowley County Historical Society dates from 1931 with major reorganization and a move to our present location in 1967. The CCHS's mission is to preserve and make available the colorful history of our county. We also support and encourage activities pertaining to local county history. Our bookstore showcases an assortment of items and local history. The Society also has a fine collection of historical records and vintage photographs.